Selecting an ideal dance company is not unlike shopping. A person must take the time to explore all possible options before choosing one that fits, feels, and works the best for that person. There will be a lot of dance companies near me. But choosing the right one will require a step-by-step process to get to the right decision.
Step #1: What are you looking to gain from dancing?
We will get to the questions you should ask at the dance company to evaluate them. But you must first know why you are looking for a dance company in the first place.
● What is your motivation for dancing?
● How long are you planning to dance?
● How much time can you devote per day or per week to dancing?
● Is there a specific type of dance that you are looking to learn?
● Where do you plan to use your dancing skills in the future?
These questions will help you understand your motivations for dancing. This knowledge will become the foundation in your search for the perfect dance company.
If you want to learn to dance for an upcoming event, you might want to narrow your search to the companies having short training courses, a high learning curve, and an emphasis on trendy or latest songs.
On the other hand, you may wish to learn to dance to learn the dance form itself. Since the strings of competitions and events are not attached, you can focus on searching for companies focused on lengthy courses, sometimes many years.
Step #2: Who are the teachers?
Depending on your interests and motivations to dance, you can begin looking for who might be a better teacher. Some questions you may want to consider:
● Does the teacher have any degree in dance?
● What kind of teaching experience do they have?
● Where have they performed in the past?
According to a research paper, the qualifications and experiences of a teacher matter the most. In dancing, there is an intense demand for creativity while choreographing. The paper found that the creativity of a teacher depends on their experiences, which is why it is crucial to see where they are coming from.
Step #3: What are the dance studios like?
Among the rich variety present, you have a lot of options to choose from. A lot of the decisions will boil down to the type of dance you are seeking. Almost all dance studios are equipped with a floor that will control the dancer from slipping. Dance studios will either be hardwood or will have a Marley flooring. These two types will accommodate almost all dances. If you notice a flooring outside of these two options, do speak with the dance instructor.
Step #4: The weekly routine
Getting familiar with dance studios
You are going to spend quite a while in the dance studios, so you might want to make sure that the atmosphere is to your liking. A research paper recently found that dancers need to be able to feel at home to give their best performance. It matters how the dance studios look, how they feel, and how welcoming and ventilated they are.
Spend some time touring dance studios. You could also request to stay for a couple of classes to observe the instructor and his teaching style.
Class schedule
Gain information about the total number of classes, as well as how many hours each class will last. Learning to dance is as much about discipline as about talent. You must put it into your schedule to make sure you do not miss any classes.
Step #5: The final decision
Now that you have all the information you need to make a decision, it is time to decide which dance company you will be spending quality time with.
Distance
The best way to choose is to see the dance companies near me. These may be within walking or driving distance.
Cost
It goes without saying that the dance courses have to be within your budget. Speak to your instructor about possible scholarships and discounts.
The only other metric is your work or school schedule. You may want to look at dance companies whose courses don’t burden you with missing classes and work.
Remember, dancing is exhilarating. Its purpose is to reduce your stress, not add to it.